Former Chargers All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal and Pro Bowl defensive end Marcellus Wiley shared their favorite memories from "Raiders Week" on the fifth episode of the Backstage: Chargers Podcast presented by Toyota.
Neal, who went 8-1 against Oakland as a member of the Bolts, discussed what it was like to block for LaDainian Tomlinson in those contests. Tomlinson rushed for 1,329 yards against the Raiders with Neal on the field.
Wiley played in Gruden's final game against the Chargers as Raiders head coach on Dec. 15, 2001. Oakland won 13-6 thanks to a 40-yard touchdown by Jerry Rice, but Wiley registered two sacks against quarterback Rich Gannon. Highlights from both conversations are below.
Neal on L.T.'s success against Oakland:
"He loved playing against the Raiders. He loved playing in the Coliseum. He just would do so many things. I think one game he threw for a touchdown, he ran for a touchdown (and) he caught a touchdown. It was absolutely amazing what he was able to do against the Raiders. It was like that team definitely wasn't his kryptonite, and he had some big games and some huge games he was able to perform. So, I tell you, that rivalry (has) always been hot, always been exciting. I'm looking forward to this game on Sunday. (I'll) tell you right now, these two teams, they don't get along, and my daddy always said, 'If you can't get along, you might as well get it on.'"
Wiley on safety Derwin James:
"It's weird to expect this from someone, but when you hear about his talents and you watched him play, you realize that this guy is that special and what a seamless transition in terms of the big plays he's made, and I remember seeing that Rams interception in the end zone. It's just like amazing that this guy is just stepping into a role and shining in it in such a short stint. So, it's crazy to say this, but the best is yet to come despite his immediate success."
Subscribe to the Backstage: Chargers Podcast presented by Toyota on Apple Podcasts. A five-star rating/review is appreciated and will help spread the word to other fans during the regular season. The Backstage: Chargers Podcast posts each Tuesday and is also available on Stitcher, TuneIn or Google Play.
